Wednesday, December 29, 2010

I'm Alive!!!

I will update y'all with a real post soon, but until then these pictures will have to suffice.

We had a fabulous Christmas with both sides of the family!!




Emma modeling her Christmas tights-they were on the verge of being too small and it was hot in Montgomery!





My famous pecan tart-made with love by my Aunt and MIL - because I may or may not have had a pregnancy sleep attack in the midst of cooking.





The aftermath of Christmas at my rentals' house!!





My awesome cousin who was showing some of the food destruction after Christmas dinner.





The sweet hair dryer J got me for Christmas-this joker does not mess around!!




This is a high grade professh straight iron from my sissy-it is a high tech tool!




Yummy dinner app we are eating at sissy's right now. They are called sausage wontons and I got the recipe from Stacy. I will link up to her once I blog from a computer.

We also had homemade spinach dip. On the menu for tonight is chicken thighs, grilled asparagus, and roasted potatoes! Mere brought some fancy cookies that I can't wait to stick my face in!!





Three precious babies in the bath tub tonight!! Scarlet, MA, and Emma!!

We are having a fun dinner tonight with sissy and John and Hays and Meredith! Real blog coming soon!!

Hope you all had a great holiday!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Love ya all!

Friday, December 24, 2010

Enough Said......


Happy Holidays!

And Merry Christmas Eve!

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Picture Dump

I have seen several people do this lately, and what with a pregnant brain/lack of quality sleep/lack of motivation, I decided to join in and "empty" some photos from my iPhone.  So they don't look stellar, but they are cute!




 I like blue cheese.


 I rest my feet on my portable DVD player in the car cause I'm a gangster like that.


 Naked baby wearing a gingerbread apron. Soooo cute!



Clothed baby wearing the apron.

Eating a carb fest at Mimi's Restaurant!


 All of the junk we had to pack for Christmas vacay.


 First time eating chocolate pudding.



The sock monkey Mrs. Kris got me for Christmas!
It has adoption papers and everything!
 Eating a tortilla shell that had mommy's lettuce/tomato/sour cream in it.

The giftcard wreath my class gave me!


What have you been doing lately? Go through your phones and share!

And PS, Merry almost Christmas!!

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Wingtasia

Before dressing:




After dressing and before I consumed six of them:


Y'all, thank God I married someone who knows how to use a grill/smoker like a profesh.

They are sooo good, even better in my homemade ranch!

Real post coming soon.




Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Love ya all!

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Listing

Apparently I can't write a real post, so I'll just make another list.

Things that are annoying me right now:

*Certain people on Twitter-unfollow!
*No outside recess b/c it's 14-20 degrees in Georgia
*Hearing my last name, as in, "Mrs. Edwards, Mrs. Edwards" on repeat from 22 kids
*Lack of Christmas decor in my house
*Lack of sleep due to snoring (husband) and intermittent crying fits (Emeline)
*People complaining about how many holiday cards they have to do-HELLO it is OPTIONAL. Don't send 200 then.
*My lack of memory and motivation to get things done
*Assessments for report cards
*Grading in general
*Wrapping...........ugh, I need a personal wrapper. This is why you all get gifts in BAGS!
*My complaining-slap me. I am heinous.

Things that I like/love right now:

*Comfy PJ pants
*Wickles
*Most food in general, especially cinnamon toast crunch, pepperjack cheese, cheez-its, and Campbell's Select veggie soup (SAD that food is most of my list)
*Being almost done with school for 2 weeks
*A Christmas CD made for my classroom by my friend Local 6805. It has some SWEET Jimmy Buffet Christmas tunes. Again, I blame my lack of memory for not knowing/remembering the name of the band that Shawna told me.
*Christmas music in general
*Videos from my friend Meredith
*My new Vera "organizer, to do list, notebook of goodness"
*Having a play date with a friend this weekend and having a lunch date with my old team next week!
*Did I mention only 3 more days until break?!?!?!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS Y'ALL!
The Grinch will be leaving the building shortly!

Monday, December 13, 2010

Updated List

Let's see how my OCD self did this weekend. (Get ready to be amused). Note: I am not amused.


*Get Christmas tree

*Decorate Christmas tree
FAIL: We got out the GIANT three Rubbermaid boxes of decor and they are still sitting in the foyer waiting to be opened and dealt with.

*Find elf and take it to school so I don't commit a DDM-my kids are insane
FAIL: It is in one of those boxes. Major fail cause the kids are on crack since it's snowing here. (Kicking self)

*Buy an ornament for the school ornament exchange
FAIL: But, I'm going to rectify this immediately after school today.

*Read the 3 Star mags on my night table

*Finish the third book in the Hunger Games series-that I started over Thanksgiving break-for the love
FAIL: I had no time for myself this weekend. I was too busy grocery shopping, menu planning, cooking, and hanging with the fam.

*Start The Girl Who...... series
FAIL: See above

*Go to the library and get the 1st book
FAIL: I am a failure...........

*Make a weekly menu


*Grocery shop


*Make a week's worth of food

*Sleep in on Saturday and Sunday ;)

*Get out all Christmas decorations and put them out for the 7 days we are here
FAIL: See the note about the GIANT THREE TUBS above

*Get camera card/edit pictures/take to Target and make Christmas cards

*Address and mail Christmas cards by Monday

I still have a lot to do! Last night, at 6:00 pm, when I was just starting the weekly meals, husband looked at me and asked me why I was stressed.

I almost lost it. And started crying. REALLY-look at my house, the kitchen, etc. I cannot handle it! But, I chilled and ate some fajitas and then some peppermint ice cream and all was well better.

God bless Blogger for the new strikethrough tool on the toolbar instead of making me remember the old school code.

That is all-I will finish this list ASAP and I have already added on the task of getting my emissions tested and getting 2 more Christmas presents for peeps before we leave town!

Friday, December 10, 2010

Weekend To Do List

Just typing those words in regards to my weekend reminds me of b.e.g. and her lofty goals.

Here is what needs to happen this weekend.

*Get Christmas tree
*Decorate Christmas tree
*Find elf and take it to school so I don't commit a DDM-my kids are insane
*Buy an ornament for the school ornament exchange
*Read the 3 Star mags on my nigh table
*Finish the third book in the Hunger Games series-that I started over Thanksgiving break-for the love
*Start The Girl Who...... series
*Go to the library and get the 1st book
*Make a weekly menu
*Grocery shop
*Make a week's worth of food
*Sleep in on Saturday and Sunday ;)
*Get out all Christmas decorations and put them out for the 7 days we are here
*Get camera card/edit pictures/take to Target and make Christmas cards
*Address and mail Christmas cards by Monday

I'm sure I'll add 18 more things to the list before it's done.

Update on what I achieved by Monday. I know, you can't wait!

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

WWYTaD?

What Would You Think and Do?

Situation:

Our school has a CARE Committee that provides for things like births, weddings, death, sickness, etc. This is pretty common in schools. The committee takes up fees at the beginning of each year and uses the dues to provide for people's needs.

This committee has ALWAYS had some issues with stuff because it means so many different things to everyone. Some people get pissed that they have to pay because they are done having kids and/or have been married for 30 years. They aren't having any more "life changes." Don't get me started on how you would appreciate the support/love/care from the group when we send you flowers and a card when something happens to one of your loved ones or yourself. Ahem.

Anyway, we were informed today (not by the committee, but by a person of power in the front office) that we would be giving several 3 members the traditional 50$ giftcard, and ALSO a basket for each grade level to "chip in on" and fill with things. Our principal just had his 3rd child, a speech teacher is pregnant, and one of my teammates got married in September. We are giving them giftcards. WHY do we now need to give them a basket with stuff in it?

My team has gone to showers and done things for our newly married teammate. We are "done" with getting more stuff. When I brought this up to the "creator" of the basket idea, she said that other people could get/give her stuff. Maybe it's just me, but if I don't know you well, I'm not going to get you a gift just because there is a basket set out. I mean, you're already getting a 50$ giftcard from the staff. That is very nice and generous.

I guess my whole point/ramble is this:

WHY DO WE PAY DUES IF WE ARE GOING TO DO EXTRA STUFF FOR PEOPLE? What did I pay for???

It would be one thing if we as a third grade team were going to throw her an extra wedding shower or something (already done it), but why would other staff members who don't know her want to go in and buy her more gifts? I am worried that the Principal's basket is going to be blinged out (cuz hello, he's the Principal) and that the other two girls' baskets will be sad/pathetic. And it's like a public presentation. Given to them all in front of the staff at a lunch next week. Awwwwwwwwwwwkward.

What are your thoughts on the dues/extra stuff? Is this just stupid and over reactory?

Catch Up Time!!!

Y'all! I have missed you!!! So sorry for not blogging in so long! I have a lot to catch y'all up on, plus the preg details.

Bullet Style:

*I am 12 weeks, 4 days. I went today and got a magical sneak at this angel! He/she is verrrrry active and was playing all around during the whole peek. It is just crazy and still surreal to me that I am indeed pregnant and that all is well. Dr. Bills said that everything looks perfect. I am still not doing anything or buying anything until at least 20 weeks. I can't let go of the nerves and worry. I'm working on it.

*I have been having some wretched morning sickness, but nothing like Britt. Y'all, I put on a GOOD BIT of weight this trimester. I'm not going to share, but I'm slightly wiggin. In between excessive gagging/dry heaving/upset stomach, and occasional puking, I EAT like nobody's business. Stuff I want. All WW bets are off. That needs to halt. This week I've been craving vegetable soup, cheese its, salads with homemade ranch, and raspberries. Yummmm!





*Last weekend we had some good friends come in town for the Auburn SEC championship game. All the men went downtown to witness a doo doo murder get a hotel for the night, and we stayed home and played, shopped, ate, and talked. The girls had a great time. HOW do I have no pics of Emma and Margaret Anne? No clue. This is Daisy the awesome attack rat terrier who kept our two dogs in line this weekend.




*This is just a cute butt. She turned 16 months old on Saturday! Big girl. She is talking up a storm and is currently saying: hi, bye bye, no no, nodding yes, woof woof, shoe, sock, momma, dada, doo doo, peas (please), dank ooo (thank you), wuf oo (love you), I can't think of anything else right now. She understands a ton, that really surprises me. I can tell her to do something, or ask her something (and not expect an answer) and she will answer me (no, uh uh, nod yes, or laugh). Soooo cute!



*Ummm, loving the new blogger layout stuff going on here-much easier, way to go blogger!

*I was reading another blog and this was linked up. WTF. On so many levels. I have no clue what is wrong with this girl. She has four names, her husband has four names, her twins have the oddest names I've ever heard, she is pregnant and just did a cleanse?!?!?! Etc. She is cah-razy. It's like a train wreck, you can't stop looking and reading.

*I've been reading blogs from my phone and have been a slack a** commenter, sorry guys! I have Google Reader open now, so expect a holla!


*Oh, I'm about to post a work sitch that I would LOVE some thoughts on. Ugggggggghhhhhh............

Monday, December 6, 2010

Christmas Traditions

Make sure you stop over to see Sam over at The Ruby Turtle Hippie Times for the next two weeks for a special Christmas series of guest bloggers. I am her first guest blogger to kick off the series, how exciting! Thanks for the chance to guest post Sam!!




I am so ADD, so this post may veer into several different "stories." Try to work with me here. My normal blog readers are used to my ramblings. :D





Family traditions can be so boring when you are growing up.



But, when you get older, and move away, and get married, you crave those old, familiar traditions. Or at least I do.



And y'all, it's hard doing something different after you've done the same thing for 25 years. My husband and I have a good mix of Christmas "compromise." It just so happens that his family does the big stuff on Christmas Eve, and my family does the big stuff on Christmas day. So, it works out for us to go see both families (they live about 1 and 1/2 hours apart) during Christmas vacation.



Anyway, I have the fondest memories of my family Christmases from growing up. We had some serious traditions in place. It's sad to me how everything eventually changes and you have to come up with your own traditions.



One tradition we had on Christmas Eve was we always went to mass. After mass, we begged and got to open one Christmas present. Then we ate some form of soup (mostly vegetable soup) for dinner. Always the same format there-very reassuring.



Side note: Who always picked a huge box to open early and it was always clothes. Ugh. I always got a damn turtleneck from my aunt and I always chose the same type of box to open early!!



Second side note: My dad belongs to the church of Christmas and Easter, and when he would go to mass with us, it was a holy hot mess of misbehavior. My mom was packin' heat (a wooden spoon in her purse) to poke/beat us with in the pew. We always left church grounded.



Anyways, after our night of church, gift opening, and soup eating, sissy and I would go to bed. We always slept together on Christmas Eve. I guess my parents and grandparents would continue their self induced eggnog (mostly bourbon) coma and put together bikes for their small children. No, dad, you shouldn't have screws left after assembling a bike. :)



At some point, we would always wake up and either A)hear them still up and dang it, we couldn't go down and check out the Santa stuff or B)hear nothing and sneak downstairs to attempt to look at the loot.



Only once in about 13 years did I get busted for spying. I was about halfway down the stairs when my mom caught me while I faked stomach pains/cramps to get her to believe I was going to get some water or Advil or whatever. She didn't buy it.



Until about the ninth grade, we would wake up no later than 6 am, and go wake the parentals. The rule was no one could go down until we were all ready to go down together. Once the parentals brushed their teeth, we could go!! We were rolling our eyes, who brushes their teeth to go open presents, please!!



On Christmas Day, the tradition was to look over all the Santa loot that was laying out (in separate chairs), oh and ahhhh, then go eat homemade ham biscuits and drink OJ. Finally about 2 hours later, we would convene to the living room to open all the gifts under the tree. Someone (mainly dad) would be "Santa" and pass out gifts to everyone. We would take turns, going around and opening and admiring/dying laughing at what the other person got. Sarah and I would trade flavors of Bath and Body lotions, chapsticks, and colors of socks/scarves. This would last a good hour-hour and a half. By this time, it was close to lunch, so we may have to invigorate ourselves with some snack items. Then, sissy and I would go play with our items, or take them to our rooms and organize our loot. That was the best part!



Christmas dinner (served around 2-3 pm) is always at our house. Everyone in our family comes to our house! Sooo fun! All the cousins, aunts, uncles, etc came over and the grandparents were already here. We would stress my mom to her absolute limit. She was ready to be hammered by 1 pm with all of the relatives in her kitchen, trying to "help." I'm sure my sister and I chorusing, "We're hungry mom, when are we eating?" really helped her out too. :)



We would finally eat a delicious meal with always the same type of food: turkey, ham, dressing, sweet potato casserole, broccoli casserole, crescent rolls, pickles/olives, some form of Jello salad with nuts in it (blech), and tons of celery with cream cheese goodness inside. Then, a veritable smorgasbord of dessert items brought to the family by relatives or my dad's business clients. Stuffing faces ensued, then the kids went to play our new Nintendos (circa 1987), assorted boardgames like Operation, and later, Super NES.



Around 10pm, total exhaustion hit everyone full force, and we started winding it up. Bed for the young uns, and "Rummi-Kub" for everyone on my mom's side of the family!



So, now that we are both "all grown up" with babes of our own, traditions are a bit different. Obvi, we go to see our other families and have to compromise our time. Sissy and her hubby do the same Christmas Eve thing with his family, so it works out that we are both there on Christmas Day to party and play like the old days.



Eventually, J and I will have to start our own traditions. I don't' want to drag Emma/future children and all of their Santa loot and gifts to Birmingham to have Christmas. We will have to start our own Christmas traditions, just like my parents did. This make me sad-as I said before, I don't like change. :) But, we will embrace it and have fun making memories with our children.



What are your Christmas traditions? Please share! I love hearing if other people's traditions are similar to mine or totally different!!



Thanks for allowing me to go down memory lane, Sam!!



Merry Christmas, everyone!

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Wordless Wednesday Announcement


Sorry for the absences, I've been busy. :)
Details to follow-when I'm not nauseous...............

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Pecan Tart


I make this pecan tart every year for Thanksgiving. It is soooo good!! I put this up just for b.e.g.'s recipe swap. Head on over and link up today!





Prep: 20 min., Bake: 57 min., Cool: 1 hr., Cook: 5 min.


Yield: Makes 12 servings


Ingredients
3 1/2 cups coarsely chopped pecans
2 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup powdered sugar
3/4 cup butter, cubed
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup honey
2/3 cup butter
3 tablespoons whipping cream
Preparation
1. Arrange pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake at 350° for 5 to 7 minutes or until lightly toasted. Cool on a wire rack 15 minutes or until completely cool.

2. Pulse flour, powdered sugar, and 3/4 cup butter in a food processor 5 to 6 times or until mixture resembles coarse meal. Pat mixture evenly on bottom and up sides of a lightly greased 11-inch tart pan with removable bottom.

3. Bake at 350° for 20 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack 15 minutes or until completely cool.

4. Bring brown sugar, honey, 2/3 cup butter, and whipping cream to a boil in a 3-qt. saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir in toasted pecans, and spoon hot filling into prepared crust.

5. Bake at 350° for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden and bubbly. Cool on a wire rack 30 minutes or until completely cool.

Southern Living, NOVEMBER 2007

Smells

Do you ever have any smells you associate with other places or things?

Yesterday I was shopping, and I walked into a hallway to go to the bathrooms and was hit with a smell that took me back 27+ years.

To Nanny Dixon's house. Nanny Dixon was my across the street neighbor. She wasn't my nanny or my Nanny. Her name was Nanny and she had kind of adopted my momma when she and daddy moved into the house on Hollow Log Lane.

Nanny was married to Dick. They were older. They were like grandparent ages when I was 5. Nanny was very opinionated, but caring. She loved to tell my mom how to do things. I'm sure she could be annoying. However, my mom liked her and respected her and she loved me!

When my mom was busy or needed five-ten alone, I got to go to Nanny's house. I remember the basement of that house the best.

The smell from the hallway reminded me of this basement in an instant. The basement was not used to park their car(s). Nanny and Dick had transformed their basement into a workroom for him, and a "beauty parlor" slash crafting room for her.

They were devout Christians, and one thing I remember about "his side" of the basement was the black curtain with a picture of Jesus on it that led to his work room. Kinda freaky, but it was his area. He would let me go back there and look at all of the tools. Dick was VERY quiet and VERY tall.

On "her side," Nanny had a kitchen area with a sink and tons of drawers for all of her hobbies. I remember Nanny went through a series of poodles. Maybe it was just one or two. But, she bathed them in her beauty area. I guess she was an early self groomer. :D Also, Nanny had an old Singer sewing machine table with lots of drawers, and in the drawers were TONS of buttons. I used to go through those buttons for hours-sorting, counting, organizing, playing. Sooo many memories.

Nanny would discipline me if I did wrong. Nanny and Dick were like my grandparents that lived across the street. When I was about 5 or 6, we moved about 3 miles down the road. We still got to see Nanny, although not as often.

After that, Nanny and Dick moved out to Centerpoint, about 30 minutes from us, to be by their kids. We went out their a few times and went swimming with Nanny's grandkids and played. I believe I recall a Ronnie Susanne, right mom?? :)

Dick died of a heart attack about 20 years ago, and I'm sure Nanny is dead by now. Mom would know.

But in that instant of walking down the hall, that smell sent me right back to Nanny and Dick's house on Hollow Log Lane, circa 1983. Sweet Nanny and Dick.

Do you ever associate certain smells with times in your life?

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Invasion



Today, someone decided to try and kick in our front door.
Thank God for our alarm system.
Thank God we weren't here.
Thank God they didn't get in and invade our home.
So many things to be thankful for.
For tonight, we have boarded up the door, called our homeowner's insurance, and got out/loaded the pistols.
Cause momma's gonna protect her family.
The police did say that this was probably totally random, and that it was probably young, high school aged kids that were maybe skipping or expelled from school. They say it is their trick to knock on the front and back doors in the middle of the day, and if no one answers, to just man up and kick the door in. No one would really notice two kids at the front door in the middle of the day.
Thank God they didn't try to come in the back door-our back yard is woods and would've been too private for notice.
Thank God the dogs were safe in the garage. But now, those two gangsters are gonna prowl the house alllll day long. That would definitely deter a thief!
I know that if someone wants to come in, they are going to get it. But around here, in our little community, it's scary and I'm glad they didn't get in.
Just another reminder to lock up, set alarms, and be vigilant. In the end, it is only stuff, but it's your stuff and your home!
Love you all!
Thanks so much @mccooma, @grizas, @purelyelegant, @samkbt, @brittanydenton, @mrs_southerland, @ckateswanson, @brookehaney, @cestyeuxbruns, @forthelove_mel, @brittanylaughs, @auburnhays, @maliasma, and @CoryHolderfor the twitter love and check ins!!

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Holy potato soup batman

Y'all. I twittered the other night about eating the best potato soup of my entire life.

My sister tweeted back and said, "Is it moms?" Ummm, no. Sorry mom. but you have to try this new recipe. It is life changing in the soup division.

I LOVE soups in the fall and winter. Chili, vegetable soup, potato soup, any kind of hearty stew, serve all soups with a hunk of bread or crackers=yum!!

I was having a hard time deciding between Mrs. Life Accounts potato soup or D.A.R.'s potato soup recipe. I looked over both and carefully weighed the options. I pretty much combined them, but went more with DAR's. Check the links to see their exact recipes!

Here is what I used and did:

Cheesy Baked Potato Soup-by DAR

5 C chicken broth
almost 6 C peeled and chopped potatoes
1/2 onion, minced
1/2 t kosher salt
1/4 t freshly ground pepper
1/4 t cayenne pepper
1-8oz package light cream cheese, cut into chunks

Shredded cheddar
Chopped cooked turkey bacon

This made enough for two nights of dinner.


Directions:
1. Combine broth, onions, potatoes and spices in stock pot and bring to boil.
2. Boil on medium heat until potatoes are fork tender.
3. Mash about 1/2 of the potatoes so that the stock thickens.
4. Reduce to low and add cream cheese.
5. Stir frequently until cream cheese is melted and soup is thick.
6. Top with cheddar and bacon, eat until your tummy explodes.

It is a game changer y'all. For realz. Try it if you like potato soup, you won't be sorry!

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Seriously?

I just found this in the backseat of the car. From Sunday's shopping trip. It's Tuesday. Let that sink in.



How did this happen?

A doucher in front of me slammed on their brakes with no turn signal. All of my grosh went flying.

I THOUGHT I collected all of them. Until last night, when I opened the liftgate and a large jar of salsa rolled out and shattered all over the garage floor.

Today it was a block of cheese. No guesses on tomorrow's item.

I've wasted about 6$. And what is sad is that I didn't even notice it when I unpacked....


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Love ya all!

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Grateful

That is all of the dishes from the top rack if the dishwasher.





Why is it out?

Because our dishwasher, which was full to the BRIM this morning, decided to die of motor failure. At 7 years old. With smelly smoke.

Sidenote: why is it that my parents have a 15+ year old dishwasher that still works?? Not fair.

We went and picked out a new one today. So, what's the problem?

It won't be here (for installation) until the end if the week. Apparently the plumbers only work M-F and have a wait list. Of course they do. I almost cried in Home Depot.

So, until then I will be busy. Washing a lot of things by hand. And still using paper plates and forks. And being grateful for dishwashers, cause humans weren't meant to wash this many things by hand.

Sister, send me Rut!!!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Fifteen Months

Dear Emma,
Your mother is a slacker and hasn't done an update since your 12 month birthday. From now on, let's do one every three months. Those are the "BIG" ones anyway. :D

Let me break down what has been going on in list form:

*Nicknames: Meems, Meemsickle, Loo, Looby, Emmalooby, etc. You are lucky that you know your name. :D

*Foods: you are eating all "real" foods at your babysitter's house. Lately you've eaten lentil soup, chili, hamburger, etc. Now, at home, you are still being finicky. Today you did manage to eat some cheese, crackers, and half a banana. You are still pounding baby foods. You will not drink your milk out of a cup yet. But you drink your apple juice and water from a cup. I'm not even trying to wig about that yet.
We'll discuss that at 18 mos.

*Paci=you love it. I don't care. You can rock it till you're six.

*Words/Sounds: momma, hey, what's that, dog, Bar (Bart), oh no, no no, uh oh, girl, woof woof, grrrr

*Activities: you love to play with things that aren't toys, you love to play with the chamber of your inhaler, you love to get in your sandbox, you love to play the couch game where you run back and forth on the couch and land on pillows. You have started running now. It's super cute. Oh yeah, throwing tantrums. As in throwing your writhing body on the hardwood floor and kicking and screaming. It's super cute. Not.

*Identifying: dogs, momma, daddy, bellybutton, belly, hair, nose, binky, lovey

*Sleeping-you rock my world with this. 12-13 hours a night, plus 2 naps a day.

*Teeth-you have almost 8 teeth now. Your back molars are coming in. Fun. They have been coming in for 3 weeks now.

*Weight: 20 lbs. You are in the 25th percentile. Your height is in the 75th percentile. I think you are 31" exactly. You are wearing 12-18 month clothes. I just bought you some bigger PJ's because I had to make you suck in to fit into the 12 mo footies.


Love it babe. Look at that little baby smile. :-)
This month you have done a lot:
*Pumpkin patch
*Birmingham
*Daddy's surprise party
*Halloween
*Playdates with older kids
*Been sick with a bad cough
*Been an overall partier

"Helping" mommy





Me and my monkey

Meemsickle and daddy



Ha! Mrs. Kris dressed up all the babies and Emma
wigged when she put on the headpiece to her monkey suit!












Meems, I love you soooo much. You are super fun and such a cool little lady!
You are mommy's little partier and I am so thankful for you every day, even when you are tantrumming it up on the floor. (Is it mean that I laugh?)
Love you baby!
My mama (that's what you say!)

All pictures were taken with the iPhone, sorry for the lacking quality.
I'm too lazy to get up and upload real pictures. :D I'm just impressed that I didn't blog from my phone...........



Holy Cow

I'm about to do a real blog post not from my phone.

Somebody stop me.

But first, I must get some blueberry pomegranate fro yo.

Then I'll settle down for my post-just finishing up the pictures now!

Edge of your seats I tell ya!

And also:

Attention All Bloggy Friends!

I stole this post from Brittany (freaking hilare!!)

This is great info. When you comment on a post I’m bad to try and reply to it from my phone. If you don’t have your Blogger account set to show your email address then I can’t email you back. And it makes me really sad because I like to stalk my bloggy friends.

Check out this super easy tutorial. Post it on your blog too! It’s really easy!!



Click here to find out how to do this, or to check and see if you are already set up!

Monday, November 1, 2010

Get Real

So, I'm sitting here eating the Halloween candy that Emma scored for me, reading my Star magazine, and I come across this.




Are you freaking kidding me? Since when did being sixteen and pregnant or a teen mom entitle you to a college fund donation?

I mean, you're already getting paid for being knocked up as a teenager, why don't we reward you with some college education.

Go to college the way other people did-it's called student loans! I had them and will be paying them off until I'm 40.

Give me a frigging break!


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Thursday, October 28, 2010

Thursday Randomosity

Because I saw this on Big Mama's blog today, I'm going to copy her. In using letters instead of bullet points or numbers. :D

A) I miss my blog friends. I feel like I have had no contact with any of y'all. I am a sucky commenter. There is so much going on right now, I'm sorry!

B)I am feeling so sad for another blog friend right now, Mrs. EyeCanSee. Her mom died suddenly from pneumonia yesterday. I can't stop thinking of how sad she must be. She has a 4 month old baby too and her mom was the babysitter.

C) We just got down with some pancakes and sausage for dinner. Weagle. This ties in nicely with D).

D) I never went to the store last weekend, so we have been cobbling together meals all week. It sucks. We ate hot dogs one night, asparagus penne, and leftovers. Spare me the college eating. I cannot wait to get my hands into some real cooking this weekend. I want to make some chili, meatloaf, lasagna, and poppyseed chicken. I may make all of this and freeze most of it for the upcoming week. Husband is wanting to cook on his new grill and I need some dang alone time ASAP!

E)We are dressing Emma up in her monkey costume and partying at a Halloween party on Sunday. Can't wait! She is not down with the face mask.

F)I had the worst issues yesterday with my ears-you probably heard it all on Twitter if you follow me-but the doctor said it was ALLERGIES. For the love, a Claritin could've saved me all day and for the past month when I've been hearing this "water" sloshing around in there! Shoot me now-I think it is "better" now.

G) We watched Paranormal Activity on Monday night. Holy hell, it was scary. I drug the husband upstairs for bed at 9:00. I wouldn't let him stay down stairs alone-I was wigging out. However, I can't wait to see the one in theaters. I've heard it's just as freaky. Word.

H) I am going to start Hunger Games this weekend on the recommendation of the ENTIRE BLOGOSPHERE and my B.I.L.

I)I am running out of randomosity.

J) Oh, also, I am soooo sympathizing for Overlowing Brain-dude, she is having soooo many sleep issues. So sad-I would be a grumpy (er) hooker without my sleep-minimum 7 hours.

K) OK, I think I need to wrap it up. I'm sure to think of more "facts" later.

L) Loving RHOBH-watching it now.

M)Told you I'd think of more! :D Dang, I just forgot the other thing I was going to tell you. OK, peace.

N) Just remembered-has anyone heard anything from Blonde in a Blog?

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Babies R Us is goin' down...

So lately, every time I go to BRU to get something, I get more and more irritated.

They have so many certain rules. They also pretend to reward you with their reward zone points. Which you cannot use on the things you would really want, like diapers or formula or baby food.

You have to buy overpriced $14 pajamas or toys. Which leads to me NEVER going there. Because honestly, I can get all of my stuff from Sam's Club or Walmart. For a lot cheaper.

So today, sister and I went in to get Scarlet a swing-because last night was a holy hell night. Scarlet got up every two hours and wouldn't sleep-we were pulling Sisterwives at one point

Sidenote: I threw a surprise party for J's 30th this weekend that has been in the works since August. And we finally pulled it off this weekend. Whole nother post.

So, all the family is in town and my parents are in the guest room and sister is bunking up in the master with us-we have a fold out couch in there. So, at one point in the crying/waking cycle, sister comes to my side of the bed crying and got in bed with us (me, hub, 2 dogs)-thank God for a king-and Scarlet still wouldn't stop and go to sleep for the love I love my sleep and my kid has been sleeping through the night for 13 months make it stop now, and this morning, sister was all about going to buy a swing for the babe to sleep in tonight. Holy crap, run on like nobody's biz...........

So we go to BRU and choose a swing from the 6 they have available, and at $100, sleep ain't cheap. But we're desperate. So we get it and go checkout. Of course I found some crap bath stuff for Emma. The lady in front of us had her "reward zone" things, and the cashier was like sorry you can't use this on formula. That girl said peace. (Notice I am not a fan of quotation marks tonight). Anyway, she said, well I'll just take my coupons/rewards and go to Buy Buy Baby.

Hold the phone. BBB is RADICAL-we have one in Bham. It is a supreme being when compared to BRU. Nicer, newer, cleaner, better employees, take alllll coupons-like Bed Bath and Beyond, more selection, nicer, nicer, nicer!! I did not know we had one here!!! We finished checking out and drove across the street to BBB.

Sister found a rad swing for $69 and we decided to buy it and return the other one to BRU. She had JUST GOTTEN a coupon from BRU for 20% off and it started the next week. BBB took the coupon and she got the swing for $59!! Winner!

Basically, they rock and Babies R Us blows. Public service announcement for you all. Hope you have a Buy Buy Baby nearby you!!

Friday, October 22, 2010

Pumpkin Painting Project

The plain one is going to be carved-the rest are painted and glittered up!!



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Wednesday, October 20, 2010

I'm beginning to get pissed

Especially since I wanted to use these for a recipe tonight. Take note husband, this is not cool anymore. At all.


I shall wreak some revenge. Just wait.....


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Monday, October 18, 2010

A new blog, a recipe, and a hobby

Hello lovies!! I have missed you all!

Hell week (aka conferences and non stop other work shat) is over. I stole that phrase from a colleague. Who PS! Has started a blog! And it's hilarious. Go check it out please-she has more drama in her family than Everybody Loves Raymond!! I mean, when it's named 'Thoughts from the Sane One,' you know it will be good!

Moving on, things are getting crazy around here! But tonight, I made a great recipe from my sissy.

Cajun Chicken Pasta

Soooo good! And super easy!

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 box pasta (I used thin spaghetti)
1 jar Alfredo sauce
4 green onions
1 small tomato
Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
kosher salt/freshly ground pepper/red pepper flakes/blackening seasoning

Coat your chicken in the blackening seasoning. Grill until done. Cut into strips. Boil pasta and drain. Meanwhile, heat up the Alfredo sauce and chicken. Add some pepper, red pepper flakes, and kosher salt (just a little salt). Leave the Alfredo mixture in one skillet and the noodles in the pot. Trust me, it's better if you DON'T mix it all together.

Make a bed of pasta, top it with some chicken/Alfredo mixture, add green onions, tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. Yummy. Call me to say thanks. :D

And, for a new hobby: my husband is into watching any RH with me-Atl, NJ, DC...he loves the drama too. It's awesome.

Not much more of substance going on in these parts. I'll be back soon!

PS-Just found out my blog friend Landlocked Mermaid is pregnant after trying for like 6 years!!! Yay for her! She is going to be an incredible mama! Say extra prayers for her please!

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Really, husband, really??

Ohhhh, you want some salsa? Sorry, someone put this back in the fridge....








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Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Bear with me please

Sooo, sorry I have been so MIA lately!! This week is conference week and it's killin me!! I am reading blogs, but comments are not gonna happen right now!! I feel like I've lost all my blog friends! Please know I'm reading and thinking if you all!! I miss you all dearly and I miss all of our "convos!!"

Until then, here us a self portrait to tide you over!



And another




And little cousin Letta





PS, if you gave a chance, stop by sissy's blog and enter her giveaway!! www.maconamess.blogspot.com

xoxo lovelies!!


PS-so thankful for spell check and my mad proofing skillz-holy hell blogging from phone!!

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Friday, October 8, 2010

Testing!!

I am posting my first post from my phone-just want to see what it it's like!!

I'll catch up with you all later-I'm in Bham with the fam!!

Emma looking like she wants to stab me for dressing her up....


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Monday, October 4, 2010

Menu Monday with some randomosity thrown in for good measure...




Gotta stick to my roots with some Menu Monday and of course, my favorite thing to discuss, randomosity! :D


Menu for October 3-7


Sunday: Chicken fajitas with homemade salsa (recipe below)

Monday: Lite shrimp alfredo (recipe here) served with grilled squash and zucchini

Tuesday: Turkey hot dogs, baked lays, broccoli

Wednesday: Panko coated tilapia served with jasmine rice and steamed vegetables

Thursday: Pesto!! Yummmmmy! (recipe here)

Friday-Sunday: BHAM!!!

Sunday night return dinner: Hamburger Helper (recipe..........not here. Read the box.)



Chili's Salsa (I've blogged this before, but can't find the link)

14 oz Rotel
14 oz can whole tomatoes (juice too)
1 yellow onion
1 jalapeno
cilantro
lime
garlic salt and cumin


Pulse the onion and jalapeno in the food processor. Add the can of Rotel and whole tomatoes with juice. Add the juice from one lime, 1/2 tsp of garlic salt and cumin, and some cilantro (about 1/4 of a bunch). Run for a few seconds. It will be thin (and delicious!) Add some kosher salt and taste!




I got Emma these shoes for fall yesterday. They are like suede material. I couldn't for the life of me find just plain black or brown in a size 4. These are cute and will do.


Emma got her first pair of skinny jeans. My mom would be so proud. :D They are actually really cute!! See above for the total package!





I really want to read this book. Has anyone read it yet? Please share!




What has been going on with y'all?
I'm going to be SUPER BUSY this week and next. I have eleventy billion papers to grade and grades to enter by Monday. Also, conferences start next week. Shoot me now. No life. Goodbye.
I will still be tweeting and trying to squeeze in another blog or two!
xoxo